CAT-titude~The Feline Swag! vs PUP-py love~The Canine Cuddle!

Aviation and lifestyle 3 Minutes

Apple or Android? For the longest time, I have overheard but carefully avoided being part of unending discussions between their sworn loyalists and believers. Even though each has their core competencies, neither party is willing to acknowledge or accept the other’s positive attributes. Most of you who have been there and done that surely know what I am talking about. 🙂

I have witnessed similar conversations between ‘Dog persons’ and ‘Cat persons’. Each finding it hard to imagine what the other sees in them. They are just more civil than the technology discussions! At least neither one takes it upon themselves to change your mind. They have the love for another living being in common, after all!

Let us not even talk about the rare variety of switch-overs! My position here is a precarious one in both discussions. I own products from both Apple and Android and am able to appreciate each one’s benefits. As for the pet discussion, it is a harder explanation.

The truth about Cats and Dogs!

I have always been a Dog person. Ever since I was a child, we had Dogs for pets. Big, small, hairy, skinny all kinds. I had an uncanny infinity toward these furry selfless beings. I knew a lot about them at a young age. Thanks to books my father would get me about different breeds from around the world.

My connection with them was deep and abundantly reciprocated. Almost as if they were reflecting my own inner self. They displayed loyalty, dependence, attachment and unconditional love, just like me. I experienced the heartbreaking, traumatic loss a dog at a tender age and then again as an adult. It feels much worse when you are responsible for their life.

The sadness stayed with me. I was given advice to get another to fill the void. My children were listless without a playmate. For me, however, Rocco was not just a pet. He was an extension of me. I couldn’t just replace him. I didn’t want to replace him. I didn’t know there was a deeper meaning at the time.

The three Musketeers!

A year after Rocco’s passing, some things began to change, both inside and outside me. I started to flirt with the idea of another pet. “Not a dog!”, was my condition. Children were ready for anything that moves… or not! 😀

Purely for logistical reasons, I found myself considering a cat for a pet. Does not need to be walked, groomed or bathed were good enough reason for me. As I was keen to adopt, I was introduced to the understated world of the cat family network. I was enamored by the selfless attitude of the rescuers and their willingness to help.

Our first kitten was found under a car in a parking lot. Tiny and alone. We were thrilled about having a kitty to nurture. Only to realize how little I knew about cats and their behavior. The self sufficiency and general lack of interest in us threw us off.

We were used to a dog who relied on us for everything and took orders. His happiness was based on our validation. It was a tough adjustment for us to transition from being dog parents to cat parents. As Joon, the kitten, took her time to get comfortable in our home, she opened up willfully and won us over on her terms, all while still maintaining her position as the queen of the house.

Big adjustment!

Recently, while feeding our rescue cat, Goldie, I noticed what a nonchalant, self-assured and ‘live life on your own terms’ attitude she had. I watched her lovingly as she expressed herself with abandon, not seeking external validation or attention, not insecure about our presence in her life and the beauty of our non-transactional relationship.

She was so comfortable in her own skin, it was inspirational. My own new found self-preserving and self-protecting manner seemed almost like an uncanny coincidence.

It got me thinking how my perspective had changed through time! I felt more confident, self-reliant, and assertive. I was determined to re-arrange my boundaries and re-balance my relationships. I did not shy away from expressing myself and setting the terms of engagement. She was rubbing off on me. I was developing Cat-titude!

I am aware that this transition is hard for people around me just like it was for me back then. This is my journey from canine cuddles to feline swag. It may not necessarily be an either/or thing, though. How about having both? Loving and appreciating both? Just like the smart devices! 😉 I am willing to hold both aspects within myself all while standing my ground firmly. Maybe I am ready to welcome another dog into our lives, who knows!!

For those of you who are pet parents or not, the link below is an absolute delight! Enjoy!

Until next time.. @thethinkingcaptain

https://www.boredpanda.com/funny-cats-vs-dogs-comics/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic
The Animal Jamboree!

Published by Geetanjali Khadria

A passionate aviator for over two decades, I have had the privilege to travel, see and experience the world and it's people in all forms and situation. This exposure has helped shape my world view in a unique way. The deep desire to explore oneself has been the highlight of recent years. New challenges seem more challenging and more rewarding too. I want to share slices of life. My taste buds like sweet and sour, bitter and sweet, hot and tangy. Just like life itself!

Published

37 thoughts on “CAT-titude~The Feline Swag! vs PUP-py love~The Canine Cuddle!”

  7. Have known you for sometime now and your thoughts match your overall transformation…your cattidude mirrors your attitude….you go girl!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Beautifully written Capt👏👏loved the pictures along with the article too!They are so apt,could totally relate since I have a Dog and a cat😂Also Rocco looks so happy it reflects in the picture with your kids😍

    Liked by 1 person

  13. This is so well articulated while we have a dog now and I love him a lot I have always felt a strong affinity and connection with Cats. I see a lot of similarities with cats when it’s about perspective. Hahaha. Enjoyed reading this. The best thing is your topics and subject is something anyone amd everyone can relate too. Thanks for sharing

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Being a recent parent to a Kitten, the article was completely relatable…Superbly articulated as always! Nailed the Cattiude part or as my cat would say , it was Purrfect!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. I read somewhere the difference between a dog and a cat is like this
    When a dog is loved by a human being he feels oh humans must be God that’s why they love me.
    When a cat is loved he feels oh I must be God thats why the humans love me.
    Different perspective here too

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Good read! We’ve always been a cat family (despite the horrible horrible cat allergies that runs in the family). Kids have been requesting to adopt a puppy ever since we lost our precious cat, Shiraz, couple of years back. Maybe I should give in!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Very nice observation on Cattitude mam, I used to always think of cats being a bit detached and insensitive …. but in a way they have this unwavering confidence and self believe without the need of external validation, something which everyone needs to adopt in someway.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Wonderfully written
    I’ve a cat at home now
    But did have a dog aswell when I was young
    So I’ve always been all pets kinda person
    Dog, cat love them all and it was so nice to read it and also relate to it aswell😊👏🏼

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.